Features: Gaylord College Ambassadors
Ambassadors, continued

WELCOME BACK WAKE-UP: Ambassador Robert Gonzales and other student ambassadors serve snacks to fellow students on the first day of classes. In addition, ambassadors solicited suggestions for improvements and discussed new features of the college, including the computer kiosks for student use. Photo by Cat Bark

The 2005-2006 ambassadors went through a training and orientation process to enhance a variety of skills, including teamwork and techniques for developing relationships with visitors.

“This first group took a total leap of faith, not really knowing where the program was headed,” Foote says. “There’s such a sense of excitement with this group. It takes a special type of person to do it.”

On average, the ambassadors dedicate about an hour per week, although their schedules depend on the events taking place within the college.

The students meet every other week to discuss upcoming events and to brainstorm new ideas and initiatives. Whether serving as the face of the college or working behind the scenes to ensure that initiatives run smoothly, the ambassadors play an integral role in the college, Foote says.

“They are dedicated to the college and eager to do great things,” he says. “They help make the Gaylord College what it is today.”

Commitment and dedication pay off for ambassadors, who build meaningful relationships with faculty and staff and get to interact with not only important media figures and visiting scholars but also alumni. In addition to receiving one credit hour of independent study, the students have their portraits displayed in Gaylord Hall during their service year and receive recognition as outstanding student leaders at events.

“The main benefit is just being an insider in the college and being depended on to be an external voice for us, knowing faculty and administration are depending on you,” Foote says.

Foote says the first group of student ambassadors greatly exceeded his expectations. Nearly every applicant who applied was qualified, which led to an outstanding foundation for the program.

“I knew this program would be a success when we started it, but this is more than I could have asked for,” he says.

FREE FOOD DRAW: Ambassadors brainstormed ways to welcome back fellow students during the first week of school. Lunchtime pizza served the purpose well. Photo by Cat Bark

Only 16 applications came in the first year. In the program’s second, Thomas sifted through 50. After narrowing the field to 27 in spring 2006, a selection committee consisting of Thomas; Dernick; Heather Spencer, Student Services internship and career counselor; and University Press Secretary Blake Rambo interviewed each student, Thomas says.

After some difficult decision making, committee members selected 15 new ambassadors, bringing the total for the 2006-2007 school year to 21. Six 2005-2006 ambassadors will return.

Advertising sophomore Robert Gonzales says he is pleased to be one of three males chosen by the committee.

“The Gaylord College has so many great things to offer,” he says. “I simply hope to give back to a college that has given so much to me.”

Plans to expand the ambassadors’ responsibility are under way, Thomas says. The program will become an even more genuinely student led, as ambassadors serve as ombudsmen by holding office hours for students to voice complaints and represent the student voice to administration.

“I am excited about the changes for the program in the next few years,” says Vice Chair Willis, one of the six ambassadors returning for a second stint. “This was the first year, so we had a lot of experimenting to do. We are structuring the program a little different than we did this year so we can incorporate more student contact.”

Thomas says the group also will engage in more detailed outreach efforts, write notes encouraging prospective students to attend OU and become more involved with alumni. Journalism sophomore Mark Nehrenz is a newcomer but says he already is excited about his role in developing the program.

“I want to get to know as many people in the college as possible, and I look forward to branching out in the program and trying things that have never been done before,” he says. “I hope to gain a lot of meaningful relationships with people in the college, as well as with visitors. I am looking forward to helping Gaylord College grow.”

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